What’s your favorite thing about working on your crew?
Your crew is your family. You work side by side with them for eight hours a day, sometimes even more. My favorite thing about working with the crew is that we always help each other out, both on and off the job site.
If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do with your winnings?
The first thing I would do is pay off all my family’s debt and mortgages. After that, I would let it ride on black at the casino!
How do you stay updated on the latest industry trends, technologies, and safety protocols?
I follow construction content on social media. I also learn a lot from the people I work with. No matter what position you are in, you can learn something from anyone—whether it’s an apprentice, mechanic, or someone from the shop. There’s always something to learn. I always keep an open mind when it comes to work, and I never discourage people from offering a new idea or a better way to complete a task.
You will always work with many people with different experiences and skills they’ve learned or developed. You must keep an open mind and an open ear to hear coworkers out and find the best way to go about a task. The last perfect carpenter died 2,025 years ago, and there’s always room for improvement.
Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I have a 3-year-old daughter who is just a burst of energy. She loves going to the beach, playing Legos, doing puzzles, and playing with our dogs. My main hobby is making sure she is happy and having the best day of her life—one day at a time.
What’s one thing you personally must have with you on a job site?
Tools. I can’t have enough tools. If I see someone break out a new tool that helps with a task, I immediately buy it. That’s why I love that EDA has a thread for this. Even if it helps out with one small task, I need to get it.
Half the battle with working for a carpentry outfit is showing up on time and having the right tools for the job. If one small tool can help me and the crew out, I want it in my bag at all times.
Cats or dogs? And why?
Dogs. I have a border collie/blue heeler and an Australian shepherd. They’re great dogs with a lot of energy. They’re also great with my daughter.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give an apprentice—or the best you received?
The best piece of advice I can give an apprentice is to always keep learning. No one knows everything, and the best thing you can do is take in all the knowledge others have to offer.
I learned so much during my apprenticeship just by listening to mechanics—whether it was a method, a tip, or a tool. I wanted to know how to do the job quickly and do it right. If someone is willing to learn, I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned through the years.
The people who come after us are our future, and we need to show them the best ways to do the task at hand. Whether it’s how to predrill, screw, or read blueprints, I think it’s important to pass that knowledge on.
Is there anything else about you, your family, or your home life you’d like to share?
I have a beautiful wife, an amazing daughter, and two pain-in-the-a** dogs! Our household is amazing. I couldn’t be happier coming home to such a warm and loving family.
Can you share one new thing you’ve learned on the job—or a best practice that saves time, energy, or keeps you safer?
Once again: tools! They are your best friend. Honestly, Dave Ramsumair has shown me a lot with the setup he has. He has a tool for every scenario. The guy is a genius and always has the right tool for the job.
How do you manage stress and maintain a positive mindset in a high-pressure environment like construction?
As long as you have a good crew and the right people around you, it’s easy. When you have people you can trust, it makes everything easier.
Having trust with your crew and fully understanding what you’re doing makes life a lot smoother. Having an amazing team like EDA—from upper management to supers, foremen, journeymen, and apprentices—makes all the difference.